Optimal sizing of a hybrid OTEC-diesel system with battery energy storage for fish farming application

Aquaculture is the fastest-growing food production system in the world, and it is expected that this sector will meet
most of the growing global food demand. Fisheries and aquaculture farms need a smooth and reliable power supply,
as any interruption in electricity might result in the complete loss of farm operations. Currently, these farms are highly
reliant on fossil fuels. However, Ocean Renewable Energy can power both onshore and offshore aquaculture, reducing
environmental effects by supplying power at sea and reducing the need for diesel fuel. Ocean thermal energy is a
predictable source of energy that is available year-round, and these characteristics make OTEC a reliable power supply
for offshore fish farms. The present study aims to determine the optimal techno-economic sizing of a standalone hybrid
OTEC-diesel system with battery energy storage under three different scenarios. The reliability index is calculated to
assess the energy system's capability for uninterrupted operation. Additionally, the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) is
evaluated to estimate the cost-effectiveness of the proposed energy system. The results indicated that increasing the
scale of the hybrid system not only lowers the LCOE but also decreases energy wastage, thereby offering a more
economically viable solution and competitive alternative to traditional diesel generator-powered fish farms.